VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum is an entirely volunteer-run organization. Almost everything we do — the scenic train rides, restoration of historic equipment, museum displays, and more — is a result of the time, labor, and talents shared by our volunteers.
We’re always looking for people to help us bring the story of the Berkshires’ railroad heritage to the thousands of visitors we receive each year. Please review the volunteer opportunities we have available, and contact us to get started!
SCENIC TRAIN OPERATIONS
Help us run the Hoosac Valley Train Rides, which take a scenic 10-mile journey between Adams and North Adams. Volunteers start out as coach attendants or car hosts to assist passengers, and can advance to become conductors who provide historic narratives during the trip or engineers who operate our historic trains. We also welcome those with prior railroad experience to start at a higher level.
STATION AGENTS
Seasonal staffing is needed for Lenox Station Museum and Adams Station. These volunteers are the first person visitors meet when they arrive. Station agents answer basic questions about the museum, train rides, and general area (such as recommendations on where to eat after their visit).
MUSEUM DOCENTS / LENOX JITNEY CREW
Docents provide informative tours about the displays and features at Lenox Station Museum. Volunteers also operate the “Lenox Jitney,” a small locomotive which offers visitors a short ride across the museum grounds. Please note: You are not required to be part of the Jitney crew in order to volunteer as a docent.
EQUIPMENT RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION
Volunteers work to repair, restore, and maintain our collection of historic locomotives and railroad equipment. This role is well-suited for anyone who is skilled in areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical work, and metalworking, but we happily accept any volunteers willing to learn these skills.
RESEARCH AND ARCHIVAL WORK
Help us maintain our collections, discover new stories, and develop historical narratives. Volunteers can assist with inventorying and preserving our historic artifacts, and conduct research to expand our knowledge of the railroad history of the Berkshires.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
We maintain historic train depots in Lenox and Stockbridge, as well as a more modern station in Adams. Our volunteers assist in ongoing efforts to maintain and preserve these buildings, such as landscaping, painting, and structural upgrades.
MARKETING AND EVENT SUPPORT
Help raise awareness of our work and our scenic trips by managing our social media pages, taking photos and videos at events, and updating our website. Volunteers can also help us develop interesting new events and assist with existing ones, such as decorating trains for holiday excursions.
VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS
BSRM coordinates with volunteers, primarily through email, to set schedules, staff work parties, and otherwise meet the museum’s needs. While any volunteer contributions are appreciated, we encourage you to commit to volunteering on a regular basis.Volunteers can assist the museum at any time of year, but our greatest need occurs between the spring, when our Easter trips start the scenic train season, and our holiday trips in December.
Lenox Station Museum is in need of staffing on Saturdays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.Anyone assisting with equipment restoration and preservation should have proper gear, including sturdy work boots, safety glasses, and ear protection. You’re also going to get dirty, so make sure you wear appropriate clothes for the job!Due to insurance requirements, volunteers must be BRSM members. New volunteers are given a free short-term membership to see if our organization is a good fit, but must purchase a membership if they wish to continue volunteering.We accept volunteers under the age of 18 with parental permission. A parent or guardian may be required to be present with a volunteer under the age of 18.
GET STARTED
No Experience Needed! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below. We’ll schedule a brief interview, then connect you with available volunteer opportunities at BSRM that best fit your skills and interests. Please email us today at Volunteer@BerkshireScenicRailroad.org or fill out the contact form below.